Madeira Rum Festival: A Celebration of the Island’s Spirit

Celebrate the 8th edition of the Madeira Rum Festival, a vibrant event that brings the heart of downtown Funchal to life. Organized by the Instituto do Vinho e do Artesanato da Madeira (IVBAM), this five-day festival is dedicated to promoting the island’s world-class agricultural rum (Aguardente de Cana).

Set in the beautiful, leafy Praça Central on Avenida Arriaga, the festival offers an informal and welcoming atmosphere where visitors can discover the unique character of rums distilled directly from fresh Madeiran sugarcane.

Meet the Renowned Producers

The festival serves as a prestigious showcase for Madeira's most famous rum producers. It is a unique opportunity to meet the makers and sample rums with distinctive qualities from:

• J. Faria & Filhos, Lda. (Engenhos do Norte)

• Abel Fernandes, Lda.

• Sociedade dos Engenhos da Calheta

• Engenho Novo da Madeira (William Hinton)

• Florentino Izildo Ferreira (O Reizinho)

• Vinha Alta, Lda.

Masterclasses & Live Entertainment

Beyond the tastings, the festival features an eclectic program designed to engage every visitor. Experience expert-led masterclasses focusing on "Madeira Rum & Chocolate" or "Madeira Rum & Delicacies." As the sun sets, the avenue transforms with live musical performances from local artists like Miguel Pires and the Walking Grooves, paired with creative cocktail demonstrations by the Madeira Bartenders Association.

Experience the Vibe Remotely

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Can't attend in person? You can still experience the buzz of the festival! Tune in live to the Avenida Arriaga events webcam to see the "irreverent decoration" and lively atmosphere from anywhere in the world.

Tips for Attending:

• Register for Masterclasses: Exclusive sessions have limited capacity. We recommend pre-registering via IVBAM (promocao.ivbam@madeira.gov.pt) to secure your spot.

• Walking is Best: Since the event is in the very center of Funchal, it is easily accessible on foot from any of our central Ola Madeira properties.

• Evening Visits: While the stalls open in the afternoon, the best atmosphere for live music usually begins after 8:30 PM.